MEZERON began a daily freight service to and from Liverpool in October.

The service was soon at the centre of controversy. The Steam Packet, staff and unions raised concerns the impact the rival freight service may have on its own services after losing some freight custom to Mezeron.

Flyers were produced by unions RMT, Nautilus and Unite working on behalf of Steam Packet employees.

The unions claim the impact on the Steam Packet caused by the rival freight service could mean less frequent - and more expensive - passenger services and could have a negative impact on tourism and events such as the TT.

There were also fears over Steam Packet jobs and politicians asked questions about the situation in Tynwald.

But Mezeron said: "We specialise in freight. Our service complements that of the Steam Packet, much as the easyJet air service complements the Steam Packet passenger service.

"For some businesses who want a roll on roll off service we cannot offer that and are not seeking to do so.

"That is for the Steam Packet. For others, our freight offering is more appropriate, including those seeking to leave from Liverpool.

"We are committed to seeing the Manx economy grow - it is in all our interests. We believe that this new service will help do just that.

"Mezeron is a Manx business bringing competition for the benefit of other businesses on the Island."